Amb. Ikpeazu Pledges Better Consular Services, Digital Reforms as Nigerian Embassy Engages Diaspora in Spain

In line with the Federal Government’s citizen-centred foreign policy, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Madrid has strengthened its engagement with the Nigerian community in Spain, unveiling plans to digitalise consular services and improve service delivery for Nigerians living in the European nation.

The commitment was made on Sunday when the Embassy hosted the Executive Committee of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain (FNCS) during a high-level consultative meeting at the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid.

The meeting, which brought together officials of the Mission and leaders of the umbrella body representing Nigerians across Spain, served as a platform to deepen collaboration, discuss issues affecting the diaspora community, and explore practical measures to improve consular services.

The FNCS delegation was led by its President, Hon. Jackson Dame Oboh, alongside members of the federation’s executive committee.

Welcoming the delegation, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Ambassador Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to implementing the citizen-centred diplomacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, stressing that the welfare, protection and effective representation of Nigerians abroad remain central to the Mission’s mandate.

Ikpeazu said the Embassy was determined to build stronger ties with the Nigerian community by ensuring that its programmes and policies address the genuine needs and aspirations of citizens residing in Spain.

A major issue raised during the engagement was the restoration of direct flight connectivity between Nigeria and Spain. Community leaders argued that the resumption of direct flights would ease travel, boost trade and investment, promote tourism, and strengthen people-to-people relations between both countries.

Responding, the Ambassador assured the delegation that the Embassy would continue to engage relevant authorities and stakeholders to pursue initiatives that advance the interests of Nigerians in Spain while reinforcing bilateral relations between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain.

As part of ongoing institutional reforms, Ikpeazu announced plans to establish a comprehensive digital database of Nigerians resident in Spain.

He explained that the initiative would enhance communication with citizens, facilitate quicker responses to consular requests, and improve the efficiency of services provided by the Mission.

The former Abia State Governor also disclosed that the Embassy would adopt Total Quality Management (TQM) principles across its operations to enhance efficiency, accountability, transparency and responsiveness in consular service delivery.

According to him, the adoption of internationally recognised quality management standards would reposition the Embassy to provide more professional, transparent and results-driven services that meet the expectations of Nigerians and other stakeholders.

The Ambassador further urged leaders of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain to remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria by upholding the nation’s values, obeying the laws of their host country and promoting peaceful coexistence.

He also encouraged them to provide selfless, accountable and inclusive leadership, noting that integrity and dedicated service are essential to strengthening unity within the Nigerian community and projecting a positive image of the country abroad.

“As leaders of our communities, you carry the responsibility of representing not only your respective organisations but also the image of Nigeria. Lead selflessly, obey the laws of your host country, promote unity among our people, and continue to earn the respect and confidence of those you represent through integrity, humility and dedicated service,” Ikpeazu said.

The meeting ended with both the Embassy and the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain agreeing to institutionalise regular consultations, expressing confidence that sustained collaboration would enhance the welfare of Nigerians in Spain while further strengthening the relationship between the Mission and the diaspora community.